Combat
When dealing with mobile prey, gelatinous cubes employ three tactics:
- Remain still until something edible walks into it.
- Move forward until it engulfs something edible.
- If said edible creature fails to let itself be engulfed, extend pseudopoda, beat prey to death, and engulf its remains.
Although a gelatinous cube's pseudopod can deal damage comparable to that of a solid blow from a club, any dungeoneer will tell you that the main threat they pose is their ability to engulf living beings. Their insides are corrosive, and, worse, they also generate a paralytic enzyme that also acts as an anaesthetic. People rescued from the inside of a gelatinous cube are often covered with horrific acid burns, while showing no signs of discomfort until the paralysing venom wears off.
Being mindless organisms, gelatinous cubes are incapable of composing complex tactics, and are immune to any kind of psychological warfare. They are impossible to scare or control.
Strengths
Stealth
Gelatinous cubes are transparent. In many cases their prey simply do not see the cubes coming.
Size
Gelatinous cubes average fifteen feet along each edge, and can grow much larger. They are capable of absorbing creatures of many sizes, and can engage and engulf a small unit of soldiers in one gulp. In a confined corridor, the only way past a gelatinous cube is through it.
Immunities
Gelatinous cubes are immune to electricity. Their semiliquid state and lack of internal organs allows them to conduct lightning bolts with no risk of damage to themselves. Electricity simply passes harmlessly through them.
Weaknesses
Poor Reflexes
Gelatinous cubes move slowly. Spells such as fireball and cone of cold make short work of these creatures, and thanks to their huge size area spells can be used a little more recklessly than usual.
Easy to Hit
Attacking a gelatinous cube is as easy as hitting a barn door. Once you know it's there, it's very difficult to miss. Their membraneous covering affords them no protection at all.
General Advice
Keep your Eyes Open
Gelatinous cubes are transparent. Only by being constantly vigilant can you hope to avoid being caught by one unawares. Elves and half-elves, having keener senses, are more likely to spot them when they come.
Stay on the Move
While gelatinous cubes can tirelessly pursue their prey, they move slowly. If you doubt your ability to fight one of these creatures, you should experience little difficulty in outdistancing it.
Carry a long stick
Finally! A practical use for the 10' oak pole that seemed to be available in every equipment list prior to 2nd Edition. By tying a lit torch to an oak pole, you are able to create an early warning system against gelatinous cubes. Simply hold the pole out in front of you, and if you here a phlorx! sound and the torch goes out, you have found a gelatinous cube. Hopefully the torch will have dealt some fire damage too.
Keep your Distance
Although gelatinous cubes are tricky to spot, they're easy to hit. Kit out with ranged weapons, though, as engaging them in mêlée combat is pretty much asking to be absorbed.
Role-Playing with Gelatinous Cubes
Are you serious?
Conclusion
How can I possibly conclude a loose collection of pseudo-scientific thoughts about a monster with no personality or readily identifiable organs? Well, I guess I could simply note that I love gelatinous cubes unconditionally. Such a pure, simple idea, ideally suited to the dungeon. One of the best monsters ever to grace the game with its presence. Those who know me probably wouldn't be too surprised to learn that I've adopted the gelatinous cube as a deity. Cube be praised!